In a report released by MHRD for Punjab, the ministry said that private schools in Punjab are still not admitting the children from disadvantaged and weaker sections which is mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
As per the Appraisal Report of Annual Work Plan & Budget 2019-20, released Friday, “The State (Punjab) has reported that admissions under Section 12 (1)(C) has not started. State had earlier reported that it has notified disadvantaged groups and Weaker Sections for the purpose of admission in private schools. However, State is yet to provide notification (to MHRD) in this regard”.
As mandated under the section 12 (1)(C) of the RTE Act, 2009 unaided private schools have to reserve at least 25 percent seats for the children from the disadvantaged group in the neighborhood and provide them free of cost elementary education. All the expenses borne by the schools are reimbursed by the government on the basis of per-child expenditure.
In its defense, the Punjab government said that as mentioned in Rule 7(4) of the Punjab RTE Rules, 2011, schools have to admit such children on its own and in case such children fail to get admission in the government and aided schools then they can apply in the private schools against the seats reserved for them.
However, the MHRD report says that the State Rule 7(4) provides that “all admissions of children belonging to the weaker section and the disadvantaged group shall be made by the school itself. If such children are unable to get admission in the schools referred to in sub-clauses (i) and (ii) of clause (n) of section 2 due to non-availability of seats or for any other reason, then their parents or guardians may apply to get admission in the schools referred to in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv) of clause (n) of section 2 against the twenty-five percent seats reserved for them. Admission to these seats shall be made by a draw of lots.”
The disadvantaged groups include: SCs, OBCs, children affected with HIV or cancer, orphan child, war widow’s child, destitute parents’ child and weaker sections include those below income tax limit.
Tags: Right To Education
Rte Act
Mhrd Ministry
Private Schools In Punjan
Punjab Government
Children From Ews Category
